Metro Tasmania suspends evening services to Gagebrook due to ‘recurring rock-throwing incidents'

Metro Tasmania has taken the significant step of suspending services to a Hobart suburb after a spate of recurring incidents that have put drivers and passengers in danger. The details >>

Metro Tasmania has suspended evening services to Gagebrook due to rock-throwing incidents. Picture: Linda Higginson

Metro Tasmania says the suspension of evening services into Gagebrook is a necessary move following a spate of recent incidents which have seen buses pelted with rocks and drivers and passengers put in danger.

The state-owned company announced on Wednesday that it was terminating routes 522, 530, and X30 at Cove Hill Fair in Bridgewater after 7pm, meaning people will not be able to reach Gagebrook via bus.

“Due to recent recurring incidents of dangerous rock-throwing at Metro vehicles, Metro is suspending evening services into Gagebrook until further notice,” a company spokesman said.

Metro Bus Picture: Linda Higginson

“While Metro appreciates the inconvenience this may cause and apologises for this, it has taken this step to protect the safety of drivers and customers.

“Metro is working closely with Tasmania Police on the issue and is actively monitoring the situation.”

The development comes after some buses into Gagebrook required police escorts last year amid ongoing issues with rock-throwing, which have posed a persistent problem in the area for many years.

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said officers worked “collaboratively” with bus drivers and Metro management to “investigate and resolve issues as they arise”.

“Tasmania Police regularly patrols areas where issues have been identified by Metro staff, to provide a safe environment for passengers and drivers,” she said.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmanian branch secretary Byron Cubit said while the service suspension was disappointing, it was a step that needed to be taken after drivers reported a “significant increase in violent behaviour” at Gagebrook over the past fortnight.

Lyons Labor MP Jen Butler held a community meeting about the Gagebrook bus woes. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The risk to the lives of bus drivers and passengers is real, and it cannot be ignored,” he said.

“The suspension of services is, obviously, extremely inconvenient for passengers that rely on access to public transport.

“Public transport workers share the anger and frustration of commuters. The people responsible for these violent attacks need to be identified and reported to the police urgently.

“This situation is totally unacceptable, and it has a significant impact on the entire community of Gagebrook.”

Mr Cubit said the RTBU was working with Metro to ensure the safety of its members and the full restoration of services “once it is safe to do so”.

Lyons Labor MP Jen Butler held a community meeting at Bond Place on Thursday afternoon to hear local concerns about the service suspension.

If you have information about incidents involving Metro buses or have witnessed them, you can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.